A Sweet Soul.....

has left the scene of time on Earth but her life has left many impressions behind.  From the time I was five years old until I left home at 19 years old,  I went to meeting in their home each and every Sunday.  Her life was a quiet constant burning flame....a faithful testimony that I will never forget.  She cared deeply for each and every one and had a wide open home.  I have so many fond memories of get-togethers that were hosted by Lynda & Dick: sings, volleyball, ice-skating, etc.  

In my heart, I am in Medford tonight and tomorrow.  It saddens me greatly that I cannot be there to give my support to her family so many prayers go out to them. 

"Life at best is very brief....."   My hope is to live a life that can be as unwavering as the example left behind.....

Puppy Love

With Jake feeling better a few months after changing his menu, he has been so much fun to play with. It does something incredible to my heart to listen to the kids laughing at Jake and playing with him until he is exhausted! My bathroom rugs were ruined after going through the wash so I threw them on Jake's chair on the deck. He has claimed the rugs as his. But, after hanging one on the deck rail to dry after a storm, Jake found it lying on the ground. He literally attacked the poor rug and just shook it in his mouth and growled at it. Listening the kids laugh with the thrill of watching him actually PLAY with something, was like music to my ears! Only someone who had seen him when he was miserable with the itches and tummy pains would understand how good it is to see him feeling better!
There are three kids that just love this little guy - can you tell?!

Cougar Council

We are learning that there are many benefits (for ALL of us!) to be part of a larger school. One of them, is each classroom votes in two people to represent that classroom in the Student Council. As part of "running" for Cougar Council, they are asked to make a poster and write a speech to be given next week. The other posters were all drawn/written by hand but Erin decided to use my Cricut to make her poster look like a scrapbook page! (Hmmm-does she take after her mom AT ALL?!) The ideas were all her own & I think it turned out GREAT! The speech is mostly written....now she just needs to practice giving it as she doesn't like to speak in front of an audience. (Maybe she does take after her mom?!)
Erin, just know that win or not, we are so very proud of you to taking this on. I know that the speech will be a challenge for you so we are even more proud of you for facing your fears and doing it! Love you, babe!

Big News Came Today!

We (finally) got the news today that someone in this household will have a whole new smile on October 12th!  When this someone came out of the ortho appointment with a HUGE smile, I knew it meant only one thing!  Do I sense a big ice-cold rootbeer coming for lunch on 10/12?!  Sadly, a bit of school will need to be missed for this appt but maybe we'll get a treat of rootbeer on our way back to school afterwards!! 

WHOOO-HOOOO!!!!!

Sleepover Fun

Over Labor Day weekend, we picked up a friend of Erin's (& Emily!!) to spend the weekend. Sadly, the weather wasn't the best but they still had a blast playing games, dodging the rain drops outside and actually sleeping in the tent one night when it was down to 40*! Needless the say, Jake was NOT neglected during the sleepover! The girls all felt sorry for him because it was just SOOOO "cold" so he was snuggled into a warm fuzzy towel....and he actually enjoyed it!!

The girls had a blast playing dress-up, making green slime, making smores (between rain drops!) and sleeping in the tent! They were a bit chilly in the morning despite the layers of clothes and a ton of blankets.....but memories were certainly made! Come again soon, Chloe!

Family picture

Ahhhh....aren't we just incredibly talented?! Terry has tricked the kids with this for years until Trevor figured it out a year or so ago. On this particular day, Erin tried until she got it and then Emily caught on. Ummm...if they all know but mom, then mom had best catch on....and QUICK! When I finally did, the rest figured it was time for a picture! Holiday card material??? I think not-but it did make for a fun picture!

On Gpa's farm.....

The girls enjoyed a short time at Gpa's farm checking out the animals. Flicka is a two year old Shetland Pony that was born on Gpa's farm. Eeyore is a donkey that Gpa got from an animal sale within the past year. He is quite demanding of his share of attention, that's for sure! There were two llamas born early this summer....they are sure quite little things! They are curious of what is going on by the gate, but not curious enough to come close enough to be petted.

2011-2012 School Year Begins

This morning we started another year of school! Trevor is off to 7th grade while Emily and Erin went to the 4th grade classroom at a new school. Trevor was pretty nervous and has been working hard to memorize his schedule before school started but put it in his pocket for safe keeping! He was pretty excited about having gym as his first class today, though! Emily was excited to start a new school year in a new school but with a familiar teacher. Erin has been very keyed up and nervous about the change but hopefully she will sleep better tonight after the first day is behind her!
Yesterday afternoon I got a call asking me to be a long-term substitute for a teacher's aide at the elementary school. The hours aren't ideal but I will try to make them work with the hope that something more permanent may open up. I will be working from 7:30-8:15 watching over the morning recess and then return from 10:50-12:50 doing lunch & recess for 2nd grade/5th grade. The kids were thrilled as that means that they ride to school with me (NO BUS RIDE!) and Trevor walks from there with a friend that lives very close to the elementary school.
Have a great year, kids! We love you tons!